Restricting outside access in cold weather

[CKoz]

My door from the coop
to the run is set automatically to open from sun up to sun down. When the weather is 20degrees or lower should I keep them inside? I was leaving the decision up to the chickens but thought the cold weather/potential draft from the open door might cause issues for the chickens.

 

[Evadig]

My door from the coop
to the run is set automatically to open from sun up to sun down. When the weather is 20degrees or lower should I keep them inside? I was leaving the decision up to the chickens but thought the cold weather/potential draft from the open door might cause issues for the chickens.

I'd leave it open, unless they are very warm-weather birds. Mine came out today in 20F and windy weather, and were happy. They will come out no matter how cold as long as there's not much wind and definitely no snow.

 

[Mrs. K]

Fresh air is very important, let them out. 20 degrees is not too cold for chickens or any other outside birds.

 

[Loving my girls]

I agree with Mrs K. Although our temperatures don’t get down that low my girls always come out even if it’s to huddle in the barn.

Perhaps they like the change of scenery (or the game of catch the mouse )

 

[aart]

Much could depend on if you have a run and whether it's wind proofed, what direction the wind comes from, how big your coop is.
We'd need much more info to give viable advice.

 

[Ridgerunner]

You are in Missouri so you will see a lot colder than 20 F.

When I was in Arkansas the coldest I saw was -4 F. I left the pop door open during the day and let them decide. I remember one morning right around zero that they were all outside enjoying the day. The sun was shining and there was no wind. They chose to go outside. If a wind had been blowing they would have either gone inside or been where the coop blocked the wind. From what I observed wind was much more important than the temperature. And they were smart enough to get out of a wind.

I grew up in the ridges of East Tennessee. The coldest I remember was about -10 F. Dad's flock free ranged. Most slept in his coop but a few slept in trees. Thise trees were in a sheltered location so wind was not a big problem. Besides, the way their feathers lay, if they face into a wind and tuck their heads under their wing the wind will not ruffle their feathers. You can't get better ventilation than sleeping in a tree. Those full-sized dual-purpose single combed chickens had no problems sleeping in trees in -10 F.

Some people have issues (mainly frostbite) in temperatures much warmer that -10 F. Their coops generally aren't that well ventilated. The moisture from their poop, their breathing, and any open water builds up and risks frostbite. Several members of this forum have solved frostbite issues by better ventilating their coop.

I don't know what breeds you have, whether there might be issues there. I don't have any experience with many exotic breeds so I would not know. I don't know if your chickens are too stupid to take care of themselves when given options. I've never had any that stupid but from some of the stories I read on this forum some people might.

In your situation I gave mine the option and they managed very well. But that was my choice. You are talking about your chickens and you have different goals, experience, and desires. If you want to keep them locked up you certainly can. As long as the coop has adequate ventilation, a place they can get out of a direct wind, and adequate room they should be fine and you don't have to worry.

Good luck!